CENTENNIAL Park does need changes, but it should remain as a green space, local residents say.
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The Friends of Centennial Park group say they have been left concerned after Bathurst Regional Council issued a notice on Saturday that it was looking for a “company in land use and planning” to provide a scoping study into the site’s “future use”.
“[This] would assist council in determining a range of possible options for the future use of Centennial Park,” the notice said.
The consultant brief stated: “Council wishes to explore all possible options available that would be permissible on this land.”
Bordered by Bentinck, Lambert, Seymour and Rocket streets, the park has received much less council support for improvements when compared to Victoria and Bicentennial parks, group members say.
I’d like to see it improved as an open green space.
- The Friends of Centennial Park group member Peter Simmons
Group member Peter Simmons said improvements were needed.
“I’d like to see it improved as an open green space,” he said.
Mr Simmons said an improved watering system, additional shade trees, more seating under existing trees and improved pathways were needed.
Another group member, Vianne Tourle, said the park was well used by locals, but visitation would increase if council directed some funds for improvement.
“I’d like to see a wonderful green space that’s suitable to our climate,” Ms Tourle said.
Mayor Gary Rush refused to rule out the construction of buildings on the site.
“There are lots of opportunities around Centennial Park, it is a very significant open space that most people would recognise offers options around enhancement and beautification,” he said.
Just last year, Cr Rush said he was considering a greenfield sight for a new cultural centre.
Cr Monica Morse lives near the park, has supported the group’s calls for the park to remain a green space.
“I think that we must rule out building on that site, once you lose it it’s gone forever,” she said.
“Once you build on it you have to build car parks.
“I will actively opposed building any buildings on that site.”
Cr Morse said, however, that Centennial Park would never be created into something similar to Machattie Park.
“Machattie Park is very costly to maintain,” she said.